Colwall 278-4, Worcester Nomads 201-9.

COLWALL came away from Whitegates Farm with a winning draw in this Bank Holiday Monday Crusader Worcestershire League Division One derby.

The visitors won the toss and had no hesitation in batting on an excellent track. Damon Gariff made an early breakthrough when he had Tom Coleman caught behind by Steve Walsh for eight, but thereafter the batters took over.

Ben Wheeler carved his way to 60 until well caught by Geoff Taylor off skipper Dannie Rees.

Simon Harwood followed with 54, after he was stumped off Taylor. Then veteran Tim Riley, (69 not out, and youngster Odge Davey (60 no) put the Nomads’ bowlers to the sword, taking Colwall to a huge 278-4. This target was always going to be out of reach. Rees sparkled with 53 and Guy Davies amassed a more careful 60, but when these two went, both to Colwall captain Mike King.

Batsmen came and went in an undignified scrabble for bonus points.

The hosts closed on 206 for nine, losing three wickets in the last three overs.

King took 5-62, with wicketkeeper Wheeler claiming five victims WORCESTER Nomads Thirds travelled to Cleobury Mortimer in Worcestershire Crusader League Division Seven on Saturday, needing to win to secure promotion.

Having been victors against Worcester the previous weekend, Nomads went into the game in second place, nine points behind leaders Kempsey and eight in front of Worcester.  Cleobury’s unexpected defeat at the hands of Chaddesley meant they were rank outsiders for the second promotion spot.

Skipper Dave Pearson correctly called and had no hesitation in inserting the hosts.  An early change in bowling ends saw Watkins and Alex Williams switch ends.

Williams made the early breakthrough, hurrying Ed Kemp into a pull shot which Pearson pouched at mid-on.    David Shorter fell to Jake Pinder-Hampton for 21, and Paul Waugh removed Carter.  First-team batsman Craig Shorter came to the wicket and gave a couple of early chances neither of which were taken.  The middle order failed to score many runs, with Nick Williams taking 2-28 from nine overs. Shorter (65 not out), however, showed his pedigree, and with support from Howman (20 no) rattled up 56 runs off the final five overs, to leave Cleobury on 171-9.  Nomads needed a steady start, and Bland and Pearson managed to set things up with an opening stand of 39.  Mills came and went, caught behind at the third attempt.  Oli Butterworth (23) joined Bland, and the pair were in little trouble in an important stand of 56 runs, taking Nomads from 67-2 to 123-3.  Chris Bland completed his 50 with a four.

Bland then edged behind, and Stafford fell two balls later to a yorker.  Alex Williams came to the crease and crashed a boundary to ease the tension.

In the following over Pinder-Hampton eased the ball behind square for two to secure the victory and the required 20 points, to see the side duly promoted.